Object

Representation ID: 932

Received: 08/03/2021

Respondent: Ms Heather Thomas

BDC claims to want to prioritise biodiversity and environmental stewardship, however this is a significant site for wildlife. The boundary of the site is woodland home of owls, which need protecting. The valley has many wildflowers which rely on specific conditions including drainage. Interfering with this sloping site WILL affect the natural drainage and we risk losing those flowers and associated wildlife which depend on this habitat. This area has been a peaceful recreational space for many during lockdown, any encroachment into the valley will impact that peace and sense of open space which is used for walking and cycling and is helpful for mental as well as physical health. Impacting the ancient woodland, owls, deer, stoats, wild birds (inc treecreepers),water birds, frogs, toads, wildflower meadow etc is not worth the development of housing on this site. There are other Baildon sites which would not have such detrimental environmental impact.